[dropcap]D[/dropcap]elta State is blessed with role models in the education sector, some of whom are presently directing the affairs of the various public and private universities in the country with outstanding results to show for their ingenuity. These are men and women of purpose whose inspirational character and exemplary deeds have built enviable reputation for their respective institutions.
When William Shakespeare pontificated many years ago that some people are born great, others achieve greatness, while others have greatness thrust upon them, he had the likes of the Prof. Andy Egwunyenga, the seventh Vice-Chancellor of the Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, in mind.
Our Eminent Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga is a Star,“There are born stars and there are stars that are made. Whatever means through which one becomes a star is predicated upon the influence he has and the contribution he has made within and outside his environment”. Prof Egwunyenga is Admired by his contemporaries for his visionary and innovative approach to tertiary education management, respected by the staff for his exemplary leadership style and loved by students, who have been the beneficiaries of his proven competence.
Professor Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga, Vice Chancellor, Delta State University, Abraka, through his competence, integrity, determination and experience, has put his name on the lips of those who still value qualitative education in Nigeria. But those who know about the Vice Chancellor’s academic pedigree, his professional experience, exposure and desire to always be an agent of positive change have never been surprised by his promises of yesterday which have become the reality of today.
when he was admitted to study Zoology in University of Lagos (UNILAG), he was just one of the ambitious youths many of whom were yet to give proper definition to their dreams. But, today, he is one of the few who has turned their dreams into reality. Egwunyenga is one of the outstanding Vice-Chancellors in Nigeria whose exemplary character serves as a compass for undergraduates seeking the route to success.
His contemporaries believe his success story is a product of the solid training he received at UNILAG, his willingness to learn from others and diligence, while his kinsmen say his respect for tradition, culture and values is what has taken him this far in life. But those who are close to him know that all these and his desire to always use his wealth of experience and exposure for nation-building are those things that made him a fulfilled man. A native of Atuma- Iga ,Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, He was born on the 4th of April, 1960 in Issele- Uku, Delta State, Nigeria to the family of Mr and Mrs Godwin Egwunyenga of Ogbe-Ute Quarters Atuma- Iga, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. Andy Egwunyenga educational career started with Local Authority Primary School, Onicha Olona (1965–1967) and St. Monica Primary School, Illah (1967–1969) all in Delta State, where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1969. He thereafter had his secondary education in St. Paul Grammar School, Ebu, Delta State (1971–1973), Rimi College, Kaduna (1974-1977) and finished up at Federal Government College, Kaduna, Kaduna State (1977–1979)where he obtained his West African Secondary School Certificate in 1979 in flying colours. He immediately, got admitted into the University of Lagos where he obtained his B.Sc. (Hons.) degree in Zoology with 2nd Class Upper Division in 1982.
Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga started his teaching career immediately after his National Youth Service Programme under the employment of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi in 1983 as Lecturer III. He steadily grew without losing any promotion to become a Senior Lecturer at the Polytechnic in 1992. During this period, he furthered his studies at the University of Jos and obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Zoology with specialization in Applied Entomology and Parasitology in 1990. He graduated with a Distinction on an enviable average score 74.5%.As a Scholar who desired to contribute hugely to mankind, he immediately registered for a Ph.D. programme at the same University of Jos in 1991.However, shortly after the creation of Delta State and the Delta State University, Abraka he got appointed into the University’s Department of Zoology and thereafter bagged a Doctorate degree in Parasitology and Entomology. Andy Ogochukwu Egwunyenga became a Professor of Zoology at the Delta State University in 2005 at a young age and has been serving as external examiner and assessor to many Nigerian Universities for the examination of Ph.D. and MSc Theses and assessment of Senior Academic Staff to Professorial Cadre. Prof. Egwunyenga to this day is one of the highly celebrated past Chairmen of ASUU at the Delta State University Abraka as under his leadership, the University Staff became the highest paid University employees in Nigeria with 70% of Basic Salary as Housing Allowance and 44% Excess Work Load. Professor Egwunyenga has devoted much of his time to the service of God and humanity as a devout Catholic. He is married to Prof. Mrs. Ebele Egwuyenga of the Department of Educational Administration, Delta State University, Abraka. They are blessed with a daughter, Abigail Ogechukwu Egwunyenga.
Prof. Egwunyenga is a very active researcher. His interest in Parasitology and Entomology issues was kindled during his National Youths Service (NYSC). His enthusiasm in this field of endeavour propelled him into research in toxicity of Capsicum spp and Aframemum melagueta bioremediation, Distribution of Cicadulina, Epidemiology aspects of onchocerciasis, Malaria infection of the cord birth weights in Nigerians etc., where he published extensively. It is worthy to mention at this juncture that what brought this erudite scientist/researcher to be acclaimed internationally are his several contributions to knowledge and proffered tangible solutions to parasitological problems. He has published over 50 high quality scientific articles spread in different peer-reviewed reputable scientific journals, nationally and internationally and has also presented many scientific papers at revered professional local and foreign conferences. He has also successfully supervised twenty one (21) PhD and MSc students in Parasitology and Entomology. At the moment, he has three (3) other PhD students working under him. Even as the Rector of the Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, he continued to teach his Postgraduate courses at Delta State University Abraka while on Leave of Absence. Some of the students that passed through him are now distinguished professors, administrators, politicians, businessmen and women etc.
Prof. Egwunyenga is a member of several professional associations: Fellow, Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, London; Member, Nigeria Society for Parasitology; Member, Entomological Society of Nigeria; Member, Science Association of Nigeria and Member, Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).
In May 2014, Prof. Egwunyenga delivered the ever green 35th in the Series of Inaugural Lectures of the Delta State University, Abraka titled “Monsters inside Us: Killing and Eating us Alive. It was a well- attended and highly commended inaugural lecture. Prof. Egwunyenga has over thirty-seven (37) years of teaching (Polytechnic and University) and Administrative experience in Nigeria. Furthermore, he was part of the pioneer team that fostered academic excellence at the Department of Zoology, Delta State University, Abraka and nurtured to fruition four Postgraduate programmes in the Department namely; Hydrobiology and Fisheries, Applied Entomology, Parasitology, Pests and Disease Management from where over 500 Scientists from within and outside Nigeria have been produced.
Delta State University Vice Chancellor has the unique experience of combining academics and administration with trade unionism and distinguished services to government and community. He has served Delta State Government in various capacities. These include: Member, Delta State Vision 20:2020 Technical Committee, 2009-2010; Member, Transition Committee, 2015; Secretary, Human Development Committee, Transition Committee, 2015; Member, Delta State Advisory and Peace Building Council, 2015-2019. He is also an active member of Amnesty International and Chairman, Research and Publications Committee of Forum of Delta State Intellectuals for Good Governance (FIDAGG).
Prof. Egwunyenga has won numerous meritorious awards, among which are; Award of Excellence for Administration by the Students Union Government, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi– Uku (2007/2008), Golden Award for Excellence for Hardwork, Transparency and Accountability, and Contribution to Development to Education in Nigeria by Nigerian Print Journalism Development Organization (2010), NAPS Platinum Service Award by National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) [2010], Nigeria Library Association, [NLA] Award of Excellence as The Most Outstanding Library Development Administrator (2010), Honorary Fellowship Award by Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulturists For Great Contribution to Landscape Development, Award by National Association of Science Technology Student (NASTES), Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, Delta State University, Abraka, for Immense Contribution Towards Advancement of Science and Technology Globally (2010), Excellence Award Certificate, as Anioma Professor of the Year, 2015 by Anioma Media Network, March (2016), just last month he was nominated as the Grassroots’ Man of the Year 2019 by Grassroots Newspaper Publishers Network(Anioma Publishers).
Prof. Egwunyenga is a proud son of Atuma -Iga , Anioma Nation , Delta State and Nigeria in general, we the the Grassroots Publishers will continue to celebrate our own enigma and a visionary leader of our time.
By: Ike Abiagom
Publishers, Newsbreeze